The Art of Storytelling

A rundown of some of the most compelling tales told in rap songs throughout history.

Storytelling is the cornerstone of hip-hop culture. After all, it was the urgency to have their oft-ignored voices heard that led the genre’s forefathers to create hip-hop and project it out onto the world. And since its inception, hip-hop and its many derivatives continue to provide listeners with some of the most imaginative and entertaining narratives in music. On this week’s episode of True Laurels, host Lawrence Burney will dig through some crucial rap and R&B stories, including tales about love, gut-wrenching autobiographical tracks and conceptual ideas centered around fictional characters.